Learning Experiences of Medical Imaging Undergraduates Participating in the “Creative H&E” Project Incorporating Design Thinking: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background Cultivation of comprehensive quality medical imaging talent should start during the teaching of basic medical courses. The interdisciplinary team of Jining Medical College integrated design-thinking into the project-based teaching of basic medical courses and implemented the “Creative H&E” learning skills development competition project, which lasted for 14 weeks, including the preliminary contest (writing a textbook play script), semi-final contest (shooting creative videos), and final contest (on-site stage display). Methods A qualitative research design was employed to explore how the unique project-based learning method of “Creative H&E” specifically affects the learning experience of medical imaging undergraduates. Ten award-winning students majoring in medical imaging were selected for in-depth one-on-one interviews. The interview outline covered six topics: motivation and preparation for the competition, creative background and process of the winning works, design and realization of the winning works, teamwork and communication during preparation and participation, experience and outcome of the competition, and feedback and suggestions of the competition. The interview results were systematically analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Results The medical imaging undergraduates were interested in “Creative H&E” projects and believed that this experience deepened their knowledge and understanding, cultivated their teamwork abilities, and stimulated innovative thinking. Conclusions Through creative conception and design realization, medical knowledge and design thinking are skillfully combined, and innovative thinking and practical abilities are significantly improved. This experience provided a solid foundation for the undergraduates’ future academic and professional development, and stimulated their desire for more practical opportunities. Project-based learning with design thinking has a remarkable effect on medical imaging in undergraduate education, which can enhance students’ learning motivation and satisfaction and their practical skills and innovative thinking. This study provides a useful reference for medical imaging reforms and innovations in undergraduate education.